LCSW, 12 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi, I'm Jennifer. For the past 24 years of my life, I've helped individuals, couples, and families worth through challenges with addiction, relationships, and personal growth. I believe my clients are the experts of their own lives, and that every person is unique, with individual needs and strengths. For that reasons I use several different modalities (including CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, etc) with the goal of providing guidance, tools, and support. I seek to always offer a safe, nonjudgemental space where you can heal, grow, and create the life you want. I graduated with a bachelors degree in sociology and political science, with emphasis in criminal justice and psychology. I received my master's degree from the University of Utah, and did all of my postgraduate license requirements in California. I am currently licensed to treat clients in both Utah and California. I am a mother and a grandmother to the cutest 18 month old girl. I am down to earth and told that I'm very approachable and friendly. I value my career and ability to hold space for others and truly want to serve others to help them feel just a bit better than they did prior to seeing me.
In our first session, you can expect a calm, welcoming space where we'll simply get to know each other. I'll ask about what bring you to therapy, your goals, and any challenges you're facing, but there is never any pressure to everything at once- we'll always go at your pace, so tell me as little or as much as you feel comfortable with. Also, it's completely okay to not have all the answers or know exactly what you want to achieve, this session is just about you feeling heard and for you to start to feel more understood. It's completely normal to feel nervous, so I encourage you to bring any questions or worries you may have. By the end of the session, you should have a sense of how we'll work together, some initial ideas for moving forward, and sense of the tools and strategies that you can start using right away.
I come to this work not only with two decades of professional experience, but also my own personal journey of facing many challenges and growing through them. I know what it feels like to hurt, to feel stuck, to feel alone or misunderstood, and to wonder if things can really change. Those experiences have shaped me into the therapist who doest sit above my clients, but beside them. Many of my clients tell me that what make therapy different with me is that they feel like I'm an equal- not someone holding authority over them, but a partner walking with them through the process. I believe healing happens in a space where you feel seen, accepted, and safe to be exactly who you are. My role is never to be "the expert" who tells you how to live, but a partner in helping you to create an environment where you feel empowered, supported, and capable of building the life you want. My mix of lived experience and clinical training allow me to connect with clients on a deeply human level while also offering practical tools for change. It's that balance- being both real and skilled- that helps people feel understood and equipped to take steps forward with confidence.
I seek to work with individuals and couples who feel stuck in patterns that they've tried to change but can't quite shift on their own. You may be struggling with substance misuse, behavioral addictions (sex, gambling, etc), or relationship issues that leave you feeling disconnected, ashamed, or overwhelmed. Bring me your concerns related to wanting freedom from addictive cycles, feeling warn down by stress, guilt, or conflict in relationships, struggling to manage big emotions or destructive thought patterns, and when you feel you have "tried everything" but nothing seems to be working. Bring me your goals related to breaking free from old habits and building healthier coping skills, strengthening relationships through better communication and trust, learning to manage emotions without shame or fear of judgment, and in gaining confidence, balance, and clarity about yourself and the life that you want to have. If any of this resonates with you, I want you to know that you no longer have to do this alone. In our work together, you'll find a safe, nonjudgmental space to untangle what's been holding you back. I'll help you identify unhelpful patterns, give you practical tools, and support you as you move toward a life you want to create. I believe you're the expert of your own life and I'm here to simply walk alongside you, offering guidance, encouragement, and strategies. If you're ready to stop feeling stuck and start moving toward real change, I'd be honored to walk that path with you.
I have extensive experience in using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to ongoing emotional distress and negative behaviors. Using this model of treatment, I help clients to work on developing healthier ways of thinking and practical coping strategies that support long-term change. By integrating CBT, I seek to empower clients to build resilience, improve emotional regulation, and create more fulfilling relationships and life experiences.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is used in my practice to support clients in balancing acceptance and meaningful change. I help individuals to build skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness to navigate life's challenges more effectively. This ultimately helps clients to manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and create a greater sense of stability and balance in their lives.
Motivational interviewing (MI) is used to help clients explore their own values and goals, while resolving ambivalence about change. Using a collaborative and nonjudgemental approach, I assist clients in discovering their own motivation for making positive life changes. This method empowers individuals to take ownership of their growth and strengthens their commitment to lasting transformation.
In my practice, couples counseling is used to help partners improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen all forms of intimacy. I guide couples in identifying unhealthy patterns while teaching effective conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
In my practice, I use sex therapy to help individuals and couples address concerns related to intimacy, desire, and sexual functioning in a safe and supportive environment. I work with clients to reduce shame, improve communication about sexual needs, and develop a healthier understanding of their sexuality. I also have extensive experience in working with clients who have struggled with various problematic sexual behaviors (whether related to addiction to sex or pornography or those who have previous convictions related to illegal sexual behaviors, as well as with victims of sexual abuse).